What does it mean word for word?
The word chicos literally means "boys" or "kids", but in a colloquial context, it is used to mean "guys" regardless of the gender of the group.
Which one should you use?
While hola chicos is informal, hola a todos is a more neutral or slightly more formal way to say "hello everyone". For a very colloquial style, you can use ¡Qué onda, chicos! to mean "What's up, guys?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
hola chicos is an informal greeting. If you need to address a group in a formal situation, use Estimados.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The colloquial phrase ¡Qué onda, chicos! is commonly used in Latin America, particularly in Mexico. In some Latin American countries, such as Argentina and Uruguay, the word gente is commonly used instead of chicos to address a group casually, such as in ¡Hola, gente!
How does it change in a sentence?
If the group you are addressing consists entirely of females, you should change the masculine chicos to the feminine chicas in the phrase hola chicas.
Did you know?
- The greeting hola may share a common ancestor with the French word holà, which was originally used to mean 'hey, stop!'
Examples in context
- Hola chicos, ¿cómo están?Hey guys, how are you?
- Hola chicos, ¿quieren comer algo?Hey guys, do you want to eat something?
- ¡Hola chicos! ¡Bienvenidos a la fiesta!Hey guys! Welcome to the party!
Example conversation
María enters a room where Alejandro and his friends are hanging out.
- MaríaHola chicos, ¿qué hacen?Hey guys, what are you doing?
- AlejandroHola María, estamos viendo una película.Hi María, we are watching a movie.
- María¿Puedo sentarme con ustedes?Can I sit with you guys?
- Alejandro¡Claro que sí, siéntate!Of course, sit down!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
